Yes, but did you understand it?

I had to read the book and take notes to finally understand it.

Good question! I understood about half of it the first time I saw it and then about 75% after the next couple of times. But even after another ten viewings, I'm still at the 75% mark! Ha ha! I guess it was never supposed to be completely understood by just watching the movie.

I read the book after I'd seen the film. I think there were a couple of things that even the book didn't explain ....However, I loved the film for its utter coolness and style - and also for the sizzling chemistry between Bogie and Bacall. Much more sensual than the 50 shades of Grey crap.

That scene in the bookstore between Bogart and the beautiful girl seller (Dorothy Malone) was one of the most sensual I've seen in a movie, without actually showing anything besides subtle innuendos

@karellen said:

That scene in the bookstore between Bogart and the beautiful girl seller (Dorothy Malone) was one of the most sensual I've seen in a movie, without actually showing anything besides subtle innuendos

I loved that scene. Dorothy Malone was just gorgeous. Now I know where the transforming from boring to sexy librarian originates from. I've seen it in a number of tv shows. You know, the fantasy of the boring librarian who takes off her glasses etc..

I've just finished watching this movie. Haven't seen it in years. I appreciated it more this second time round. But really needed to concentrate on what was going on.

I'm still not sure what happened (if anything) to "The General"

Bogie and Bacall - love them.

@Speeed said: The cars and clothes of '46 just seemed to ooze style. I'd love to have been around back then.

I so agree. I love the 40s fashions

I never really got it. I did enjoy it, however.

I'm with you all: Completely onboard with the overall movie and its great cast and performances, and the terrific look, style, and appeal, but don't fully "get" the actual story. Fortunately, this is one of those rare movies that totally "works" and is easy to enjoy and to rate highly even when the various ins and outs of it aren't entirely understood.

The plot is a convoluted mess and probably the biggest reason why the Coen brothers decided to spoof the film with The Big Lebowski.

Both the film and the book are very confusing. Amazingly, the author himself (Raymond Chandler) admitted that even he couldn't figure out who killed one particular victim.

@pt100 said:

Both the film and the book are very confusing. Amazingly, the author himself (Raymond Chandler) admitted that even he couldn't figure out who killed one particular victim.

LOL I totally buy that. The shit was all over the place. But still, admittedly it is probably my second most-watched Bogart film behind The Maltese Falcon. I love him in these P.I. roles.

This certainly is a great looking film, from attractive cast, to the costuming, to sets, to lighting, to photography, to vehicles, and production values in general. There's also the tremendous style and flair in the script and performances. Every styling - and style - box can be readily checked off.

@movie_nazi said:

The shit was all over the place. But still, admittedly it is probably my second most-watched Bogart film behind The Maltese Falcon. I love him in these P.I. roles.

If you're into film noir and haven't seen them, I highly recommend both Double Indemnity and Out of the Past, the latter of which is my favorite noir film. Great cast, great writing and direction. The film made Robert Mitchum a star, and it's his best role. Plus wonderful atmosphere of SF at night, and loads of great filming locations.

@pt100 said:

@movie_nazi said:

The shit was all over the place. But still, admittedly it is probably my second most-watched Bogart film behind The Maltese Falcon. I love him in these P.I. roles.

If you're into film noir and haven't seen them, I highly recommend both Double Indemnity and Out of the Past, the latter of which is my favorite noir film. Great cast, great writing and direction. The film made Robert Mitchum a star, and it's his best role. Plus wonderful atmosphere of SF at night, and loads of great filming locations.

Well, we have that in common because Out of the Past is hands down my favorite noir film. Double Indemnity is the quintessential noir film and is the perfect vehicle if your aim is to introduce someone what film noir is. A perfect film in its own right. Mitchum is god.

@movie_nazi said:

Well, we have that in common because Out of the Past is hands down my favorite noir film. Double Indemnity is the quintessential noir film and is the perfect vehicle if your aim is to introduce someone what film noir is. A perfect film in its own right. Mitchum is god.

If you like movies with Robert Mitchum, you should watch this version of "The Big Sleep: "The Big Sleep (1978)".

Although there's a change of location - Los Angeles to London - and time period - 1940's to 1970s - the ending is a better adaptation of the original Raymond Chandler's novel.